WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Security officer shot dead in Florida Lake robbery
An off-duty security officer was killed while fishing at the lake.
A well-known local security officer was shot and killed in what appears to be a robbery while fishing at Florida Lake.
The incident occurred at about 19:00 on January 9.
The off-duty security officer and his wife were fishing at the lake when two men approached them. The exact details of the encounter remain unclear, as the wife only realised something was amiss when she heard a gunshot. Turning around, she saw her boyfriend lying on the ground while the two men hastily rifled through his pockets.
The suspects, described by eyewitnesses as scraggily dressed and “very dirty”—one of them wearing a red T-shirt — stole the victim’s firearm before fleeing across Albertina Sisulu Road and into the veld behind the a complex.
This area is notorious for illegal mining activity by so-called zama zamas.
According to Florida CPF chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla, who was among the first responders at the scene, the victim’s wife, in a panic, rushed to her car and drove to the home of a nearby friend. The friend shared the incident on an emergency WhatsApp group before hurrying to the lake.
“I responded to the scene immediately,” said Sardiwalla. He added that Florida police, Help24, and Bhekani Abantu Security arrived within minutes of the WhatsApp notice.
“We found the victim lying on his back next to the lake with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Paramedics from Help24 immediately started CPR, which continued for nearly an hour, until it became clear the victim had passed away.”
When the Roodepoort Record arrived at the scene, the victim’s wife was sitting beside his body, being comforted by a Help24 victim support officer.
“This is very personal for all of us here,” said Sardiwalla. “The victim was a close friend to many police, security officers, and CPF members in Florida. He regularly volunteered his free time to assist in operations and patrols to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
Sardiwalla also addressed the rising crime in and around Florida Lake, calling it unacceptable.
“We will ensure more regular patrols to combat crime at the lake. It’s a shame that residents cannot even enjoy a quiet afternoon of fishing at their local lake. We are determined to work with police and other partners to eliminate criminal activity in the area.”
Florida Police Acting Station Commander Lt Colonel Ivy Mabuso, who also attended the scene, declined to comment, stating that investigations are underway. A formal statement will be issued once more details are available.
Meanwhile, Sardiwalla urged eyewitnesses to come forward.
“Anyone with information about this horrific crime can contact me directly at 084 963 1786.”
